The state House opened hearings today on a bill that would require able-bodied people on Medicaid to have a job, be looking for work, or be enrolled in school.
Medicaid work requirements got a lot of attention when the Trump administration seemed to invite states to ask for permission to try it out. Three states have already done so and others are getting in line.
Gilda Jacobs of the Michigan League for Public Policy says unemployed people have other barriers to employment such as no child care or transportation to a job.
“And this legislation just does not address providing these services to really help people go to work.”
Governor Rick Snyder is opposed to the legislation. He says more people with medical coverage is a cost-savings for the health care system and taxpayers.